Project - Feminine Tops

There's been a resurgence in soft, fluid tops on the runway and in the stores, and I must say I'm happy to see that! Button front georgette blouses, boho silk tunics, chiffon poet's blouses - the styles are endless. You can dress them up or down by pairing a feminine top with jeans or tights. Wear one to the office under a blazer with trousers or a slim skirt. I love the carefree style and how non-constricting they are compared to slinky knit tops or crisp cotton shirts. I made two of these tops recently from a vintage pattern - Butterick 6037.

A few modifications were made in the first top as I didn't have quite enough fabric. I omitted the facings and bound the neckline in self-fabric instead. I also included a center front seam to accommodate the neck binding.

On the second top below, I lengthened the sleeves. Otherwise everything else was true to the pattern.

 

Project - Vintage Button-up Shirt

I love vintage sewing patterns and have collected them for quite some time. I use a combination of vintage and contemporary sewing patterns for many of my projects. The style details of past patterns are unique and quite often you won't be able to find these little touches in modern patterns.

I wanted to make a casual button-up shirt and found the perfect pattern in my vintage stash.

Simplicity Pattern 7912 circa 1977

The thing that drew me to it most was that the blouse had raglan sleeves instead of the typical set-in style sleeves. Raglan sleeves are quicker and easier to sew - exactly what I was looking for. 

To shorten the sewing time even further, I used snap fastener buttons (no sewing on buttons and no buttonholes!). 

This pattern will definitely be one of my staple patterns for a classic, button-front blouse from now on!

Just in - Vintage 80s toys

Retro Fraggle Rock cars and Glo Bug! Don't they just bring back fond memories of your childhood?!

Fraggle Rock car toys - came with McDonald's Happy Meals back in the 80s

Glo Bug - glow in the dark

Add a chain

When I saw these vintage purses, it was like love at first sight!

Grey leather, basket-weave purse

Chocolate brown leather bag with pockets and flaps

They were vintage, so I knew no one else would have them. The only thing that bothered me was I felt the straps were too short. Determined to buy them anyways, I knew I would redux them to suit my style needs. After careful contemplation and planning, I decided to extend each strap with a length of chain. I chose a length of chain as it would add some interest to the bag in addition to extending the strap. 

Length of chain purchased at a thrift store, keyring end and hook came from a keychain I had.

Voila! Much more practical and useable after adding the chain.

Purchased D-rings and hook; length of chain purchased was a single strand which I braided with six strands to create a thicker chain.

Finished product. I use this purse a lot, and it is one of my go-to bags. The color and style is timeless.

I firmly believe that when you redux something, the end product should be functional, attractive and inconspicuous. Otherwise, if it ends up looking patched up like Frankenstein, it's not worth the time. Make sure that you plan accordingly and think through exactly what will work for your purse. Try it out some time! :)